SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE SUMMER 2011

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 ‘If you don’t vote’ London Mayor and GLA election poster TRIBUTE launch 2008. (from left to right:) Francine I have come to the end of a fantastic 10 year Fernandes, Simon Woolley, Richard journey with OBV. I arrived in 2001 to offer Sudan, Winsome-Grace my services as a volunteer and got a small but Cornish, Leon Green, unexpected paycheck the end of the month. Ashok Viswanathan, US intern Celina Chan and Faz Hakim. It’s been a rollercoaster ride – the anxiety before thousands arrive for an event and tremendous high when happy smiling faces leave the venue. Over the years our small team has done a Christmas in Rome tremendous amount of work, which is nowhere 2006: Staff on a one day near captured in this special 15 year anniversary trip to see the ruins – Louise Alexander, Ashok magazine. There is still an enormous task ahead, Viswanathan, Sanjay and the hard work continues by the dedicated Mistry, Faz Hakim, Leon team, including volunteers and interns, both local Green, Rafiq Maricar, Francine Fernandes. and international whose invaluable help and enthusiasm spurs us all, urged on by our Director to ‘worry the work like a dog worries a bone’. I have worked alongside a great number of awesome people who have generously supported OBV’s work, and on behalf of the team I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the thousands who Contents have taken part in our programmes; to those who have become magistrates, politicians or P 4 OBV’s 15 year celebration! appointed to serve in boardrooms around the Simon Woolley tells the inside story about how OBV country; to those who have tried for elected was formed – and how it powers black politics today. office, and will try again; and to those who are inspired, empowered and challenged to take a P8 Six of the best! place among the trailblazers who stand in the gap Ashok Viswanathan remembers the campaigns that for communities marginalised by society. helped OBV to ‘hit the ground running I honour and thank the scores of politicians P11 Celebrating success and magistrates who have given their time as Graduates and their political mentors speak about mentors; court officials, staff and civil servants the influence and impact of OBV’s community who work quietly behind the scenes; the campaigners, organisations and individuals that empowerment programmes, support us; to our alumni and the vast wider P19 Breaking bread membership, including those who year after year Adeela Shafi , Matilda MacAttram , Merlene Emerson join us for our events, thank you; and to every new person reading this, welcome. and Cllr Lester Holloway recount their political journeys: Happy Birthday OBV, well done! Winsome-Grace Cornish MBE, P23 OBV - Fifteen years on the road former OBV Communications Director P31 Lahore to London: Ajmal Masoor, reflects on Britain’s Asian communities Editor: David Shosanya P32 Vision of unity: Winsome–Grace Cornish Ali Hadawi CBE Sub Editor: Art Direction: Ade Sawyerr looks at the future for African and Lester Holloway Vortex Creative Ltd Caribbeans Contributors: Print: Press Masters Ashok Viswanathan Ade Sawyerr Publisher: P33 Raising aspirations: Ajmal Masroor Operation Black Vote College principal Ali Hadawi CBE worries about youths’ lack of ambition P34 Rousing the Sleeping Giant: Rev David Shosanya argues the black church can Operation Black Vote is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Registered in Cardiff number 379770. wield power in politics 18 Victoria Park Square, London E2 9PB www.obv.org.uk

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 3 1996 - 2011

OBV’s 15 year celebration! 1996 – 2011 Simon Woolley tells the inside story about how OBV was formed – and how it powers black politics today.

There are many people who want to make a approximately how many black people could vote, but also, positive diff erence to their community and wider and critically, in which constituencies and how much of a society. For a multitude of reasons very few are lucky diff erence we could make. enough to fulfi l that dream or desire. In the offices of the 1990 Trust, at the Elephant and I’ve been extremely lucky. With Operation Black Vote I’ve Castle, I was able to show that the black British electorate been aff orded a unique platform that continues to make a was powerful way beyond its own perception. Collectively diff erence both for BME individuals and wider society. we had real political power to halt race inequality. The start of OBV’s journey? Wayne Douglas had died in John Major’s government had a majority of 21 seats, police custody and there were civil disturbances after it was but our vote could decide who wins in over 100 seats. ruled that no one would be held responsible for his death. Everyone’s jaw dropped. Operation Black Vote was born. Activist Derek Hinds met Lee Jasper in Brixton and told Despite having no money and no salaries everything him: “If we want change we must follow Malcolm X and use seemed possible. I remember walking into one the world’s the ballot box not the bullet or rioting.” most prestigious advertising agencies at that time with His words set off a chain reaction. “Woolley”, Jasper Jasper and Hinds, and literally turning down their off er of enquired, the day after the riots, “Can you fi nd out how working pro-bono for us, because we had decided that in many black people are eligible to vote? We’ve got to think the spirit of our vision only black creative groups would of a long term political strategy”. help with the job we were about take on. Advertising and At this time I was a volunteer for Charter 88 - an design gurus Trevor Robinson and Jon Daniels had easily organisation dedicated to democratic reform. I’d met Jasper convinced us that the empowerment of black Britain was at York Hall when he and Ken Livingstone had launched the their gig. Their poster campaign ’Spot the Black MP’ and National Assembly Against Racism. accompanying campaign fi lm shook the establishment. After three months research I not only found out Black people were voting and could not be ignored. The

4 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MESSAGES FROM WESTMINSTER

Far left: Simon Woolley meets Patron, Prince Charles, London “I am delighted to be sending a message String of Pearls Festival launch, St James Palace, 2002. OBV of support to Operation Black Vote on the contributed a leaflet for the Festival detailing the contribution occasion of your 15th Anniversary. of minority ethnic groups in Britain over 2000 years. (Far right top). Getting out the Black Vote: General Election day The work of OBV is a striking example campaigning Brixton 2008. (Far right below). Operation Black of success in meeting the challenge of the Vote Houses of Parliament launch 1996. Election campaign Big Society, by putting more power and posters. (Below) Campaign posters. This page -Election Day opportunities in people’s hands. We need to interview. Mobile poster van and young voters 1997 Elections. draw on the skills and expertise of all people across the country, as we respond to the social, political and economic challenges Britain faces. The MP Shadowing Scheme is one of a “The feeling that you number of successful programmes run by OBV since it came into being. The Government has valued the work carried can make a difference to out by OBV, to promote the councillor and magistrates roles, which has peoples lives is, frankly helped to enable Britain’s diverse local communities to be increasingly represented in the local democratic process. I know that Andrew Stunell, one of the best feelings in as Minister with responsibility for race equality, is only one of the politicians to act as a mentor under the scheme, who can bear witness the world.” to its effectiveness. And I am delighted to be able to share the floor of the House of Commons with Helen Grant MP, and alumna of the scheme who is now the Conservative Party’s first female African Caribbean MP. I wish Operation Black Vote every continued success. “ DAVID CAMERON, PRIME MINISTER

“I’ve seen the work OBV does first-hand having had the privilege to take part in the mentoring scheme last year. I know that thousands of people have benefited from this scheme and the many other programmes and events that OBV organises. There is a clear problem with under- representation of people from black and ethnic minorities in all levels of politics. The work OBV does is really important in helping to tackle this issue by promoting engagement with politics for people from minority communities. I’d like to congratulate OBV on its 15th birthday and wish them all the best momentum we had achieved could never be rolled back. for the next 15 years.” Imagine this. I’m a volunteer activist and I receive a call ED MILIBAND, LABOUR LEADER from the Shadow Home Secretary Jack Straw who we had asked to attend a meeting. “Yes, I’ll come, and if you “Operation Black Vote has worked incredibly don’t mind I’ll announce that if we win the next election hard to ensure ethnic minority communities the Lawrence family, the black community and Britain will are represented and listened to, and I want to have a Public Inquiry into Stephen’s death... Is that fine by pass on my warmest congratulations on its 15th you Mr Woolley”? anniversary. Everyone should feel empowered to Fifteen years later our remit is wider than Westminster. take part in all aspects of democratic life, from Having the power to tackle race inequality is required not simply casting a vote to becoming a political only in Parliament, but in local authorities, magistrate courts, representative. By being democratically active among school governors, trade unions, and increasingly big you are giving you and your community a voice, business - our small but dedicated team, including fellow and that can bring about real change. founder Ashok Viswanathan, has made this happen. “I encourage everyone to make sure The feeling that you can make a difference to people’s they take the opportunity to be heard. Get lives is, frankly, one of the best feelings in the world. on the electoral register, if you’re not already on it, so you can have Together the OBV team is nurturing a new generation of a say in who represents you both locally and nationally and look for leaders who will take their place to continue this most other opportunities to get involved in political life in your community. wonderful journey. Don’t underestimate the difference you can make by having your say.” Happy birthday Operation Black Vote and thank you, in no NICK CLEGG, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER small measure, for making me the person I am today.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 5 1996 - 2011

“Congratulations to OBV on the terrific work you have done power through the political process.” over the last 15 years. And thanks to Simon Woolley for the ADAM AFRIYIE MP – CONSERVATIVE years of leadership he has shown. There is so much still to do so I know OBV will be vital over the next 15 years.” Congratulations to OBV on their 15th Anniversary. They have shaped HARRIET HARMAN, FORMER DEPUTY LEADER, LABOUR the agenda for the BAME community in terms of representation and encouraging our community to take part in the political process “I have long been a huge supporter of Operation Black Vote, its through voting. After 20 years of trying I have now been elected aims, its staff and all the volunteers who make it such a success. as an MP. Our background enhances our participation in public Since its inception, OBV has been a positive and inspiring service and in years to come this will be seen as incidental to our organisation. It is a hub for those in the BME community looking commitment to serve and help our country. to engage in British politics – and offers courses and skills training VALERIE VAZ MP – LABOUR, ELECTED 2010 to develop the next generation of community leaders. Their non-partisan position has ensured that OBV’s aspiration “I feel very privileged to be the first Sikh Conservative Member of building a fairer society through greater political participation of Parliament and believe that it represents a huge milestone. It within, and representation from, the BME community is lifted has not been easy to achieve this; my father came to this country above party politics. with less than £5 in his pocket and no idea where he would sleep I am also proud to have worked with students on the OBV’s that night, but through our hard work and dedication I now find ‘Shadowing Scheme’. I hope they learnt as much from me as I have myself as a successful businessman representing the seat of from them! Wolverhampton South West. Operation Black Vote has done much in 15 years, and I am excited The journey into political life is not easy for anyone, but I to see where it is as an organisation – and we are as a country – at the encourage anyone from minority communities to be involved 30th anniversary. in politics – whether this be as an activist a councillor or as a SADIQ KHAN MP – LABOUR, FIRST MUSLIM CABINET member of parliament. It is a hugely rewarding experience and MINISTER, NOW SHADOW JUSTICE SECRETARY by making local voices heard you can make a real difference to your local community. It is only through hard work that we will “Looking at the impact of Operation Black Vote over the last 15 be able to increase participation and representation amongst the years we can say that the House of Commons is no longer the BME community.” ‘white male middle class club’ as Paddy Ashdown described it PAUL UPPAL MP – CONSERVATIVE, ELECTED 2010 back in the Nineties. We now have 27 MPs in the House from a BME background. While a closer reflection of society would “Come rain or shine, in town and country, up and down roads be 55-60 BME MPs, there has been progress: and OBV’s MP and lanes, in stairways and in meeting places where ever shadowing schemes from 1999 onwards have been a valuable the business of politics is done, OBV, has been a consistent part of that progress. Having participated in these myself, as a and steadfast presence. Always committed in the struggle mentor, I know how effective they are. for a successful multi racial society in which our democracy Improving the participation in the democratic process is one is strengthened and enriched by diverse and plural voices way that we can empower communities and the work of OBV over participating at every level. Activism remains the key to the last 15 years has helped to bring ethnic minority communities building on the real progress that has been achieved over into that process. I am delighted to send in my best wishes to the years so, even as we celebrate the gains made, let’s everyone involved in Operation Black Vote as you celebrate your rededicate ourselves to the vision that continues to inspire. A 15th year. society in which all are judged not by the colour of their skin ANDREW STUNELL MP – LIB DEM, COMMUNITIES but by the content of their character.” MINISTER LORD PAUL BOATENG – LABOUR, FIRST BLACK CABINET MINISTER “Over the last fifteen years I have been supportive of Operation Black Vote. They have played an essential part in making “The vision of the mother of all parliaments having a rainbow people from minority communities realise that they have a composition of members in both the House of Commons and the voice and a say in how our country is run by convincing them House of Lords remains a goal to be realised. Significant progress to vote. They have also encouraged people to enter the political has been made in getting more black and minority ethnic MPs but arena on all levels and become pro-active rather than leaving progress has been slow. For BME MPs, getting there is one thing; it up to others and in so doing making our ancestors’ harsh staying there and being successful is another. journey worthwhile.” Operation Black Vote (OBV) has made an invaluable BARONESS FLOELLA BENJAMIN – LIB DEM contribution to raising awareness about the value and importance of the democratic process, the institutions of government and “Progress is made when enfranchised people visit the ballot the necessity of engagement and participation. OBV has also box. Happy birthday OBV and thank you for urging the exercise of encouraged, nurtured, and supported the emergence of talented and committed BME individuals to have positive engagement and

6 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OBV 1996 voter registration campaign posters featuring recording artist Des’ree, actor Meera Syal and designer Oswald Boateng. (Opposite page) OBV team 1998, 2004 and 2010.

represented and engaged at all levels. My time as a mentor to a wonderful young councillor from East London was as much of a lesson to me as it was to her. I learned so much about the Pakistani community from which she comes, and the challenges faced by some parts of our community.” – -

“OBV has made an invaluable contribution to the development of a real political voice for the BME community. Through OBV’s efforts we have better representation in each of the main parties and we are, I hope, well on the way to realising the dream of equal representation for the BME community. The changes are not yet great enough but without OBV forging the way, we would not have achieved so much.” – -

“OBV has had a huge impact over the last decade and a half and inspired much positive change, encouraging all political parties to take seriously issues of representation. Congratulations to OBV on this important milestone, and long may its’ work continue”. –

“At a time when so many organisations dealing with race issues have been closed down, it is great to congratulate OBV on the continued good work that they do. I have been a backdoor supporter of this organisation and monitored its progress from the beginning. I have seen the attitude change among black young people and the interest they are taking in the country’s political scene. OBV is among the most respected and valuable organisation in the voluntary sector. I wish you well in all future endeavours.” - - - involvement with all the main political parties. “Through working together in the magistrates’ shadowing Without OBV’s contribution, we would not be where we are schemes and seminars, we have been able to encourage people now; and with its continued excellent work, there is hope that from diff erent communities and backgrounds to learn more the vision will, in time, become reality.” about magistrates and their work in court. It is essential that – - the magistracy is diverse and OBV has played an important part in building confi dence about the criminal justice system and helping to dispel so many myths. The encouragement given by “Many congratulations to OBV on reaching the milestone of your Simon Woolley and his team has so often been an inspiration 15th birthday. Like all 15 year olds you are lively, entertaining and the result is there for all to see in that over sixty shadows and challenging – and I’d like you to stay that way! Your work have gone on to apply to become magistrates and having been promoting civic engagement amongst the country’s minority successful, they take their place in ensuring justice is carried communities is as important as it was 15 years ago, so keep it up out fairly and eff ectively for all.” and perhaps in another 15 years we won’t need you at all – and ’’’ ’’’’’’’’’’’’’-’’’’’’’’’’ ’’’’ ’’’’’’’’ ’’ that is surely our shared goal – to see all communities equally ’ ’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’ ’’’’’’’ ’

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 7 SIX OF THE BEST! Six best!of the Ashok Viswanathan remembers the campaigns that helped OBV to ‘hit the ground running’.

“Over fifteen years there have been countless campaigns by OBV, many of them a great success. It is a difficult task trying to select a few to highlight and honour the strength and breadth of our work since its inception in 1996. Here are six of the best!”

GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN 1997 We identified one-hundred seats where black communities could determine the outcome of who wins. By using their collective vote they can determine who gets the keys to No 10. Setting up an impromptu travelling office, we toured Britain’s cities on a campaign bus, embarking on a bold programme of voter registration and political hustings meetings. We took our campaign bus to the heart of major cities. We made a splash everywhere we visited.

MEETING NELSON MANDELA The greatest political activist that has walked the Earth, Nelson Madiba Mandela was on a visit to the UK that happened to coincide with our launch week. After meeting Madiba himself it was a matter of hours before the press and public was beating down our doors to be associated with the campaign. We received endorsements from the three main party leaders, while Jack Straw - who would later become the Home Secretary - announced at one of our meetings that he would hold a Lawrence Inquiry if Labour were elected. The rest is history.

GLA REFERENDUM AND ELECTIONS 1998 In the run-up to in GLA Referendum and Elections, in 1998, we were able to secure a visit from the humblest yet most ablest of men in Emmanuel Cleaver III, then Mayor of Kansas City, and now a US Congressman. He spoke about the need to get involved in the new London government structure. We went on to tour London boroughs to boost voter turnout.

8 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Mayoral election poster 2004 (Main). Mayoral Election candidates 2004, Ken Livingstone elected. Mayoral Election candidates 2008, Boris Johnson elected. Reverend Al Sharpton visits the UK to spearhead the ‘OBV and Choice FM Lecture’, 2002

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 9 SIX OF THE BEST!

EUROPEAN ELECTIONS, 1999 We continued to attract international figures during the European Elections 1999 with speakers from anti-racist organisations in Germany, France, Ireland and Spain arriving in the UK to demonstrate the collective power of the black vote in Europe. We argued then, as we continue to do now, that if black Britain is strong, then so too is black Europe strong.

REVEREND AL SHARPTON We befriended the African-American firebrand activist Reverend Al Sharpton, who generously agreed to come on a week-long tour, where he set London and the UK alight with his blazing oratory and no nonsense reality check. A flagship event saw him raise the roof of a 2,000 capacity conference venue. In fact, he enjoyed himself so much that we invited him back in 2010 to do it all again. During Sharpton’s visit we met with the International Development Secretary to press for urgent and increased aid to Haiti.

REVEREND JESSE JACKSON It got even better than Rev Sharpton. Our audaciousness and tenacity secured the visit of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a civil rights legend. Again like those that came a before, he gave his time and attention to our agenda and created a splash that helped define the election and the UK’s future political landscape. What we had never anticipated during these campaigns over OBV’s prestigious, yet brief history was that a black man would run and be elected as President changing forever and definitively race politics in the political arena. It’s was this thought that propelled our campaigns, our hopes and dreams, our strategy and belief over 15 years. “Now for a black Prime Minister right? We’re laying the groundwork now. And we’ll still be here and ready to mark the occasion.”

Reverend Al Sharpton addresses a packed house on his 2nd visit at the ‘Realising the Dream’ event 2010; General Election 2005 - The Black Manifesto; Rev Jesse Jackson, OBV General Elections ‘Be The Best’ 100ft poster launch 2010; Pre-election voter registration campaign; Rev Jesse Jackson arrives for OBV ‘Power is never given’ address, Lambeth Town Hall, 2007

10 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Celebrating success

Graduates and their political mentors speak about the influence and impact of OBV’s community empowerment programmes

PARLIAMENTARY SHADOWING SCHEME In 1999 twenty five young people made history while being mentored by parliamentarians on the MP Shadowing Scheme. The first of its kind – the aspiring politicians got the opportunity to attend MP’s meetings in Westminster and follow them in their constituencies. The experience helped the scheme members to learn the ropes and was an outstanding success with five graduates standing for election.

Above: MPs Sadiq Khan MP, Sarah Teather MP and Peter Bottomley MP with 2002 MP Scheme shadows: Harinder Mann, Farmida Bi and Sameer Mirza. Above: MP shadowees, 1999, outside 10 Downing Street and with their parliamentary mentors, Lord Archer, former Conservative Chair Michael Ancram, Chris Smith, Simon Hughes and Bernie Grant at the Houses of Parliament. Also in the picture Lee Jasper, Simon Woolley and Trevor Phillips, then CRE chair.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 11 CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Meet the new generation of politicians

GEORGE ‘ORLANZO’ COLE ELLIN JOSEPH (2010-11) getting elected. She is now standing in her (2010-11) Ellen shadowed Stephen McPartland, MP for first local election and I am helping deliver Mentored by Shadow Health Minister Diane Stevenage, and was encouraged to stand as a her leaflets.” Abbott. George was elected as a councillor council candidate in the May elections for the STEPHEN MCPARTLAND MP - CONSERVATIVE for Leicester City, representing the people of Bedwell ward in his constituency. Western Park in the May 2011 election. He is a co-founder of the Clarion Group, a Leicester- “I was pleasantly surprised that so many people PHILIP OLANIPEKUN, (2010–11) based organisation which aims to address had come out to vote for me. The journey was Philip was paired with the Rt. Hon Oliver Letwin. the absence of African-Caribbeans from local exciting and nerve racking! I may not have won He has made significant strides in his political politics, increase political literacy in the local this time, but I am encouraged that a relative short career in 2011. His time with OBV proved to be community, and encourage individuals to get campaign resulted in over 400 people voting for a springboard to political involvement and he involved in all areas of governance. me in the Bedwell area. What will happen if I was Conservative candidate for the Tattenhams campaign a whole year before the next elections? ward, Surrey, in the May 2011 council elections. “Having joined the OBV scheme I’ve come to Watch this space! Ellin Joseph, soon to be A local to Surrey, Philip was previously a realise how much can be done locally if we councillor and who knows - MP?” manager at a security firm and his transition into become organised in the community.” ELLIN JOSEPH politics has been remarkably smooth. GEORGE ‘ORLANZO’ COLE Philip credits OBV for introducing him to the “I was delighted to mentor Ellin Joseph and must world of political participation, “George shadowed me in Parliament and I admit that I think I learned more from Ellin, than I was very impressed by him. I wish him the was able to teach her. “OBV was absolutely instrumental in introducing very best of luck.” I think the programme is successful because me to the machinery of how politics works. It gave DIANE ABBOTT MP it brings together people from different me an opportunity to have direct access with MPs, backgrounds interested in politics and delivers a people who were real decision-makers. I hope real insight into the job of a Member of Parliament. OBV can continue with their excellent work, Ellin and I have become good friends and will allowing people from ethnic minorities to become work together to help her fulfill her dream of decision-makers.” PHILIP OLANIPEKUN

I think a lot of people find the political world a MARI REES (2007) mystery and they feel cut off from it. What OBV Mari graduated from the Welsh Assembly has done with this shadowing scheme is very Shadowing Scheme. Mari stood as the Labour MESSAGES FROM important, and I’m a great supporter. The good Parliamentary candidate for Preseli and thing about the shadowing scheme is that it Pembrokeshire in the General Election 2010. WESTMINSTER bridges the gap between ordinary peoples lives and the world of politics.” “It is a great privilege to have been part of Operation Black Vote’s excellent work over “This Government wants a fair society where the past fifteen years - supporting people race and ethnicity are no barriers to taking part. like Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim to sit in And we’ll need to draw on the skills of everyone the Cabinet, and Helen Grant, the first black across the country as we respond to the varied Conservative woman elected to Parliament. challenges Britain faces today. The House of The work of Operation Black Vote in helping Commons is still disproportionately white but to improve and enhance political education and things are moving in the right direction.” participation is both necessary and welcome. Long may it continue.” - -

12 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY She was due to stand in the Welsh Assembly elections in May 2011. Sadly Mari passed away in April 2011.

MARVIN REES (2006) Marvin participated in two OBV programmes. In 2005 he shadowed Trevor Phillips, then Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, on The Commissioner Shadowing Scheme. In 2006 he shadowed Bridget Prentice MP, then the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Constitutional Affairs on the MP Scheme.

“The programme had practical results for me. I built on the knowledge, confidence and credibility I gained to take up public appointments, and I put myself forward for selection as the Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol West, in the hope of representing the constituency in which I MAHROOF HUSSAIN MBE (1999) grew up. I recently drew on my OBV experiences Mentored by Marsha Singh MP. Mahroof was while sharing a few reflections to open a local one of the first graduates to achieve success. election hustings. I spoke of the need for a more On completion of the scheme he entered local developed activism, one that appreciates the politics in 2002 and was elected as Councillor complexity of political change. in Rotherham, a position which he still holds OBV have set the bar for me. It’s about today. He has worked in high profile positions participating in the debate, cutting deals, within the House of Commons and with the testing your values, stepping up to lead, taking European Parliament, and is currently a Cabinet responsibility and risking failure.” Member on the Council. MARVIN REES “OBV was a precursor to my career, participating HARINDER MANN (2001) gave me a background to politics and gave me the Harinder was mentored by Chris Smith MP. ability to network with other politicians. I am now Harinder stood in the 2010 General Election. able to offer my ward of Boston Castle political Through the connections of his mentor experience and political understanding. I am he won the position of secretary to John hard-working, and what I do best is listen to and Battle MP, the Prime Minister’s Envoy to the advocate for my community.” faith communities. Harinder credits OBV for MAHROOF HUSSAIN introducing him to politics.

“As a result of the shadowing scheme, I was able to broaden my political career in a way I would not have been able to imagine I could do so. It From top clockwise: MP Shadows meet Prime allowed me to network with contacts in high Minister Tony Blair 2002. MP Scheme 2006 profile political positions. In one of the first shadowees and mentor MPs including, Peter talks I heard Simon give he told a room of OBV Bottomley, Sadiq Khan, Sarah Teather, Oliver Letwin, Shadows about the challenge of the democratic Tom Brake and Susan Kramer (now Baroness). National Assembly for Wales Shadowing Scheme, deficit. He spoke about the role OBV would play participants and men tors 2008. Parliamentary in helping us build the experience, connections Shadowing Scheme 2010, participants and MP and reputations that would better enable us to mentors; Mentors: Sadiq Khan, Fiona Mactaggart, do this. That was in 2002 and in the ten years I Dame Ann Begg (all Labour). Stephen McPartland and Andrew Stephenson (Conservative). Sir Menzies have been associated with OBV I have found the ‘Ming’ Campbell, John Leech, Jo Swinson, Baroness staff, the network of OBV alumni and the public Ros Scott, (all Lib Dems). MP shadowing scheme, figures who have stepped forward true to the 1999. MP Scheme shadows 2002. The cross-party spirit of the cause.” MP Shadowing Schemes also included Green, Plaid HARINDER MANN Cymru and other parties.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 13 CELEBRATING SUCCESS

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14 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Local decision-makers Bristol, Liverpool, and Lewisham Councils - along with the National BAME Women’s Shadowing Scheme - took up the baton for local political and civic engagement schemes. Many of the graduates have since been elected “I am tremendously impressed at the talent and as councillors. ability that the programme has uncovered from The working partnerships within our community and I am confident they between OBV, government will play a part in making our community stronger and better. I am also sure there are many others departments, councils who will be eager to follow in their footsteps.” and other institutions has LEWISHAM MAYOR SIR STEVEN BULLOCK. produced a network of talent, helping them to influence decision making.

Bristol Council Shadowing Scheme 2004 and 2006 (Left top and below left). (Top right and below right ) Lewisham Civic Leadership programme 2009 and 2011. Liverpool Council Shadowing Scheme 2009 (Below).

YOU CAN BE A COUNCILLOR You too should consider standing as a councillor at the next local council elections, or in a by-election if one emerges. You need to be a member of a political party so your first step is to contact your local branch to sign up, or join online. You may even consider standing for election as an independent candidate. Volunteering to help your ward councillor or MP is also a good way to learn about the role and responsibilities of a politician. You can find local party branch details on the party’s website. To have a good chance of winning at electiontime, you should give yourself enough time to learn about the concerns of the ward you wish to represent and how best you will serve them. It is ultimately up to the political party’s local group to decide whether to select you as a candidate, so becoming actively involved with their work locally is essential. A councillor’s work involves a great deal of campaigning, so your ability to find your way around obstacles and shouldering responsibility are important skills. Don’t be tempted to turn back at the first hurdle. Just like our graduates who are now elected politicians, it is your drive and determination that will get you to the winning post! Check the OBV website to see what programmes relevant to becoming a councillor, are The Parole Board Civic Leadership Programme 2008. available: www.obv.org.uk The Commissioner Shadowing Scheme (Commission for Racial Equality) 2005.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Winners: Cllr Pathumal Ali, Cllr Judy Best, Cllr Dr Sheila D’Souza & Cllr Margaret McLennan

graduates stood in local election elections. LOCAL WOMEN Four won victory for their councils - Councillor TAKE A STAND Sheila D’Souza Conservatives in Westminster; Councillor Margaret McLennan for Labour in Sixty women took part in the 2009 National Brent; and for the Liberal Democrats Councillor BAME Women’s Councillor Shadowing Pathumal Ali in Sutton and Councillor Judy Best Scheme, aimed at improving the representation won for Lambeth. of Black and other ethnic minority (BAME) women within the democratic system. This Less than 1% of local councillors are Black, partnership involving OBV, the Government Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women Equalities Office (GEO), and the BAME Women despite the fact that they make up more than Councillor’s Taskforce was led by Baroness 5% of the population’. Government Equalities Uddin of Bethnal Green. Office - Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic The women shadowed local councillors Women Councillors’ Taskforce Report 2009. from over 25 local Authorities and fourteen

Left: National BAME Women’s Councillor Shadowing Scheme, 2009 participants. Above: Lynne Featherstone MP, Harriet Harman MP.

I always wanted to give back to my community. This scheme was a The project came out of a BAME Women Councillors’ Taskforce set up good way to see if I had what it takes to become a councillor. I was by Harriet Harman MP who said: “Our local democracy needs to be fully surprised how hard they worked but undeterred I thought I could do it.” representative – but it’s not. It lacks the voice of Black and Asian women CLLR JUDY BEST. at a local level. For local government to make the right decisions it must be representative of and rooted in its local communities. Black and Asian Our democracy is supposed to be representative, rooted in the community. women are the missing voice in our local democracy. Our local councils It won’t be representative until more women like these are at the heart of need to understand the different communities that make up diverse decision making at a local and national level. We need all sections of society modern Britain. You get better informed decision making when all represented in politics so we can get decisions that can have a real effect members of the community are involved. on everyone.” RT. HON HARRIET HARMAN, EX-MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND LYNNE FEATHERSTONE MP, MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES. EQUALITIES.

16 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Changing the face of the magistracy

MAGISTRATES SCHEME The scheme was founded after Simon Woolley stopped the then-Lord Chancellor Lord Derry Irvine in a Justice Department corridor and challenged him to ‘change the face of the magistracy’. At the time the proportion of black magistrates was under 2% against a minority ethnic population of nearly 5%. Lord Irvine met the challenge and Bristol’s Georgia Ramsey set the ball rolling as the first graduate to be appointed as a Justice of the Peace after graduating from the 2001 Magistrates Shadowing Scheme. Shortly after that Revinder Johal also took her seat on the Birmingham magistrate’s bench. Since then success has followed success as the scheme raised awareness throughout the country about the criminal justice process and the need for greater minority representation within the magistrates’ courts. In 2010 the then Justice Minister Jack Straw hosted a celebration to honour over sixty appointed magistrates - all graduates of the OBV Magistrates Shadowing programme – who have made it to the bench, with scores more on the waiting list to take their place in court.

Clockwise from top: Former Lord Chancellor, Lord Charlie Falconer with Magistrates Shadowing Scheme weekend seminar participants, 2004. Former Lord Chancellor, Lord Derry Irvine and Bristol participants, Magistrates Shadowing Scheme Launch 2001. Westminster celebration to honour over 60 magistrates , appointed graduates from the OBV scheme, 2010. Scheme graduates appointed, Kirti Soni JP, Pamela Roberts JP, Lord Lieutenant Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher and Ann-Maria Quail JP, Buckinghamshire 2004.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 17 CELEBRATING SUCCESS

YOU TOO CAN BECOME A MAGISTRATE Almost anyone can apply to become a magistrate. Magistrates come from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations. They are bus drivers, offi ce workers, chief executives, and people like you and me - ordinary men and women with common sense and personal integrity. To become appointed as a magistrate / Justice of the Peace (JP) you have to be able to listen to all sides of an argument, make fair and reasonable decisions; you do not have to have any legal or formal qualifi cations. If you are considering applying for appointment your fi rst step is to go along to your local magistrates court to observe a court in session. You should try to attend two or three sessions. The role is voluntary so if you believe that you would be able to fi t it into your work and home timetable send off for an application pack. Visit the OBV or Magistrates Association website and read thoroughly information about the character and time requirements. Magistrates receive training after appointment and are instructed by court clerks, but you need intelligence, common sense, integrity and the capacity to act fairly. If you have all these you may apply on line or via the Magistrates Association website, but don’t forget to let OBV know how you get on. Check the OBV website for information about our magistrates seminars: www.obv.org.uk.

Clockwise from top: Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Justice with Baljit Singh Rihal and mentor Linda Hacker, 2007/8 (top left). Lord Chancellor and 2006 scheme graduates. Khamani Eze, Merlene Carrington JP (now runs OBV Magistrates Scheme), David Lammy, Diane Reynolds and Kofi Pratt, scheme launch 2004. National Media Launch 2005: Nicholas Broachie JP (2004) and Georgia Ramsey JP (2001); Georgia was the fi rst scheme graduate to be appointed as a magistrate and Simon Wolfensohn, (then) Deputy Chairman Magistrates Association. North-West London, shadows, mentors and court staff , 2007/8 Revinder Johal JP the second scheme graduate to be appointed as a magistrate and her mentor Adrian Dence, 2001.

18 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BREAKING BREAD bread Friends of OBV marked the organisations’ birthday by recounting their own political journeys.

BREAKING

DOWN Adeela Shafi attends OBV Prospective Parliamentary Candidates reception at BARRIERS the Houses of Parliament, 2009. In picture Eric Pickles, (now) Secretary of State for Communities and Local fi talks Government, Baroness Warsi, and Helen Grant MP about her decision to (elected 2010) and other Conservative candidates. enter politics

I have been involved in charity and Some of the diffi culties faced by such some of which exist in society in general, voluntary work since the age of 16 families were due to political decisions some of which are cultural within the BME working with disadvantaged families and I felt that in order to eff ect change on communities, and some of them being the in the inner city area of Bristol. a large scale it was important to be a part very individual and personal barriers. OBV Working with these people gave me of that decision making process. have aimed to shed light on these and at an insight into how political decisions My decision to enter politics was sealed the same time fi nd tangible solutions to aff ect all of us around us and when after the earthquake in Pakistan we penetrate those barriers. For example the politics is not as remote as we often raised considerable sums for emergency Councillor Shadowing Scheme which has think it is. aid, and then further money to rebuild a run successfully in Bristol several times, specifi c school in Pakistan in with many of the participants going on to which 70 girls had died. stand as candidates for local elections. Not The project has been an all of them yet elected, but in terms of the arduous journey wading success of breaking some of those barriers through the political structure and actually enter the realm of local of another country and once politics, success has been 100%. again fi rmed my view that it Nationally, OBV have played its part is so important to take part in in supporting candidates from BME decision making and especially backgrounds and charting their successes. so for ordinary people who But true change is a gradual shift which have lived life outside politics sometimes glides along unnoticed until with real life experiences. the change is complete. OBV is an integral I fi rst made contact with part of that change; the organisation has OBV in 2008 just shortly gained recognition and credibility within after being selected as the political parties by maintaining its Parliamentary Candidate for goal of encouraging participation from Bristol East. Since then my minority groups without falling into that relationship with OBV has trap of favouring one over the other. That grown and developed and I is what has been especially refreshing for have had the opportunity to me about OBV. see fi rst hand how OBV have supported and promoted the ADEELA SHAFI, FORMER CONSERVATIVE active participation of Black PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE and minority ethnic groups in BRISTOL EAST the political arena of Britain. Lecturer in Psychology University of the Given the various barriers, West of England

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 19 BREAKING BREAD

BELIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE Matilda MacAttram, founder and director of Black Mental Health UK

Driven by personal passion to see changed the perception and understanding of the injustices meted out to the an issue that had been on the sidelines of black most vulnerable in the community British politics for decades. addressed, and what many would Once the 2007 Mental Health Act became describe as the naive belief that law, I came across disturbing data on the anything is possible, I launched National Criminal DNA database. Black Mental Health UK at Kingsway Not one to rest on my laurels, I launched a International Christian Centre way three year campaign through BMH UK calling back in 2006. for the removal of innocent DNA from the This proved to be an important milestone criminal database. This work put the spotlight as our presence at KICC’s seven day church on a pretty much hidden issue that criminalised convention, was an eff ective way of getting not only black mental health service users, information about this issue into to the heart but even more shockingly the whole of black of the community, while galvanising them into Britain. With the support of a growing number action in order to bring about change. of mainly grass roots organisations, whose BMH UK came about at a time when leaders caught my vision, we managed to parliament had introduced the 2006 Mental secure a commitment from opposition parties, Health Bill, which set out the most signifi cant who are now in government, that they would For this to happen it will take your support, legislative changes in this area that had been introduce legislation to bring in the changes we need you to visit the campaigns page of seen in a generation. BMH UK were calling for. Today the Protection our website at www.blackmentalhealth.org.uk Our nine month national campaign and of Freedom’s Bill, which is currently being download the lobbying letter and send it to constant media coverage through our website debated in parliament, will do exactly that. your MP. Once you have done this, you need and community radio and papers like the Voice I am now launching a new campaign to ensure to get everyone else you know, who is able, to and New Nation led to widespread support that all innocent records that are currently stored do the same from the community. This whole process came on the Police National Database and Police We all need to do our part in this – and like with steep learning curves and more than a National Computer are deleted at the same time all the other issues BMH UK campaign about few disappointments, but I have found that as innocent DNA is deleted from the National this will aff ect the life chances of you or your my eff orts through BMH UK have eff ectively Criminal DNA database. loved ones.

Matilda MacAttram: OBV battlebus election day campaign, Brixton, 2005.

20 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Merlene Emerson (far left) with (now) Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg and other Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary candidates at OBV reception, 2009.

AGAINST THE ODDS Merlene Emerson, fi

When I stood as Parliamentary would have voted Liberal Democrat if I had a do not count especially in so-called ‘safe’ seats candidate for Hammersmith in London real chance of winning but otherwise they had - But why enter the fray if I was going to come in May 2010, I knew that the odds were to vote tactically: for Labour or Tory to keep the in a poor third? very much against me. other party out. To me, it was important that the electorate With the fi rst past the post’ (FPTP) voting I was a supporter of the Alternative Vote was given a choice of candidates of every system and the two candidates from the major (AV), because with AV there would be no need political colour. They deserved as much. parties entrenched in battle, 17 percent of the for tactical voting. Whereas under FPTP, large I had also learnt a great deal during my time vote returned for me was perhaps as much as I sections of the population become disengaged as Parliamentary candidate: of the need to be could have hoped for. Many residents said they from the political process; they feel their votes on top of local as well as national issues, the art of door-to-door canvassing, hustings and in fi elding interviews from the media. It took me six years to become a fully qualifi ed solicitor; I could not expect to become an MP over-night. So was it worth the toil, you may ask? Having a clear understanding of one’s own motivation is key. For me, it was and still is the wish for our children to grow up in a society which is tolerant and free from prejudice, with laws which are fair and inclusive and where there is equal opportunities for all. I should add that the odds of my getting elected have recently improved. I have been selected by my Party to be one of the London Assembly Candidates in 2012, when 25 Assembly Members will be elected based on proportional representation (PR). This will be my 2nd attempt, having stood in 2008 when I was 11th on the Party List. I have since climbed to 5th place. Whether we will have a fi rst British-Chinese London Assembly Member will now be in the hands of Londoners!

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 21 BREAKING BREAD

WHY I BECAME A COUNCILLOR Councillor Lester Holloway, campaigner and journalist

Why? I admit to asking myself this Having already been a ‘sleeping’ member of question as I and fellow councillors the Liberal Democrats for a few years having grapple with the grim task of slashing quietly joined while living in Bow – no-one, millions from town hall budgets. Why not even my LibDem contacts knew this – I did I choose to become an elected decided to awake and make contact with the councillor, at this time? local party where I now lived, co-incidentally The answer can be summed up in three the LibDem stronghold of Sutton, in Surrey. words – Barack Hussein Obama. I, like many Before I knew it, I was a council candidate others, was enraptured during 2009 by his running in a ‘split ward’, which turned electrifying White House campaign. One into an almost safe one overnight in May speech stood out, in September of that year. last year as the LibDems trounced the Obama told an audience of schoolchildren in local Conservatives. I personally enjoy the Arlington, Virginia, that it was their “civic duty” street campaigning nature of local politics. to give back to society. ‘All politics is local’ is as true today as when After inspiring them to what they could the saying was coined. As a LibDem I believe personally achieve, he asked: “So today, I the roots of democracy should be as deep want to ask you, what’s your contribution and close to the grassroots as possible. I do going to be?”Although the speech was not belittle concerns about, say, the need for pitched at school children, it was a question more litter bins. In some ways it is as important that resonated with me. During the question as strategic service issues in the borough, or and answer session that followed, Obama wider policy debates aff ecting the whole elaborated. We can carp and moan about country. To some residents in a particular what politicians are doing in our name, but street, the litter bins matter more. why don’t we stand up and get involved. Things have been hard the past few Infl uence the decisions, make them ourselves. months. The coalition government has put It’s a tough time in local government for sure, I had been a councillor before, in my early strains on the whole party. Local government but someone has to do it. New councillors like 20s, and had no appetite for going back minister Eric Pickles failed to fight the me have added a new perspective and new into politics. I thought journalism offered a town hall corner in the spending round, as creativity as we collectively seek to avoid axing more effective way of making a contribution Westminster opted to pass on billions of cuts frontline services while preserving a vision of a and had risen to become Editor of the black to local councillors. Sutton has made £11m green and fair borough. weekly newspaper New Nation. Yet Obama cuts this year, which has not been without No-one said it would be easy. Obama didn’t got through to me; maybe I should once pain, but even this pales into insignificance by make that claim either. But my role as a local again get stuck in and try to change things the eye-watering figures of up to £50m that decision-maker, and a community champion instead of merely writing and publishing some inner London boroughs were forced to in my ‘ward’, is a rewarding one despite the articles about the failure of politics to bring save this year as the government dictated the background of cuts. Politics needs people like about equality and justice. cuts are front-loaded. you, and like me. Just a few people can tip the balance between a local party being in touch or out of touch, active or inactive, having a vision or just plodding along. I don’t speak for the LibDems in parliament, but I can stand up for my local community. Obama no longer has the shine he radiated in 2009. Domestic compromises and international wars have seen to that. Yet his words, to school children in Virginia, remain as relevant today as they were then. The President himself still has high poll ratings among the poor and among African American communities who understand what he is trying to do and recognise the alternative as not being in their interests. In 2009, Obama inspired a movement. That movement may no longer be there, but what Matilda MacAttram: OBV he left was many thousands of seeds. I am battlebus election day proud to say that I am one of them. I may only campaign, Brixton, 2005. be a local councillor, but I’m doing my civic Lester Holloway interviewed. duty. And just as Obama predicated, that has made me feel good.

22 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FIFTEEN YEARS ROADSHOW

OBV Launch: Group includes Derek Hinds (on microphone), Simon Woolley, OBV board member Rita Patel and former OBV Chair Lee Jasper. ‘100 seats’, the fi rst billboard poster campaign. ‘All it takes’ poster on its’ way to ‘Keep the BNP out’ rally inBurnley, North Yorkshire, 2003. Fifteen years of roadshows The OBV archive is packed with brilliant images that will one day make a fascinating exhibition. In the meantime here is a snap-shot from a few of the events, programmes and poster campaigns over the years

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 23 FIFTEEN YEARS ROADSHOW

(Left) ‘Spot the Black MP’ poster that launched during the 1999 MP Shadowing Scheme, calling for a more representative Parliament. (Above) Poster launch, fi rst London Mayoral election candidates, 2000.

‘Imagine the impact if one million Black people leave Paddy Ashdown a message tonight’ - Message to mobilise the Black vote, 1997 general election. The timeless quote, ‘All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing’ has been used in many OBV campaigns.

POLITICAL EDUCATION: Citizenship awareness programmes for schools across the UK.

Hip hop artists, joins the Glenda Jackson MP Mayoral elections youth voter and Camden School registration drive, 2004. children, 1999.

24 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Clockwise from left: London Mayoral “If we want change we must fol- election candidates. Activist Derek Hinds low Malcolm X and use the ballot met Lee Jasper in Brixton and told him: box not the bullet or rioting.” ‘Black voters urged to call Tony Blair during the 1997general elec- tion . Lee Jasper, Ashok Viswana- than and Simon Woolley, poster launch 1999. Election Day voter drive, OBV’s Faz Hakim takes to the streets, 2005. Change the face of European Politics poster, 1999. OBV’s Leon Green hands out ‘Use your Vote’ reminder cards.

Voter empowerment – Hackney B6 college, 2006. Understanding Power ‘Citizenship Education Programme’ launch, former Education Secretary Charles Clarke and Tower Pupil power, Hamlets pupils, 2004. Eastlea School 2007

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 25 FIFTEEN YEARS ROADSHOW

Chuka Umunna - (This picture and below right) David Cameron and Harriet Harman OBV’s USA ‘Presidential attend the President Obama Inauguration party in 2008. Election’ party, with Baroness Ros Howells and former Baroness Pola Uddin in background in 2008.

Former MPs Vince Cable and Deputy Prime George Osborne (right) Minister John ‘Black Britain Decides ‘ Prescott at the pre-election rally. ‘Representation 2.0’ online campaigning event, 2009.

26 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY MESSAGES

“Someone once said to me that the world is full of strategists; everyone can tell you what the problem is. People who actually make things change for the better are far rarer. OBV, led by Simon Woolley falls squarely into the second category. We have a long way to go raise the levels of political participation amongst ethnic minority parliamentarians, councillors and voters to the level that a self-respecting democracy has a right to expect. But where we have had success a measurable amount is down to the practical work carried out by OBV. I’d love to say that I don’t think we’ll need OBV in 10 years time or 15 years time. But I doubt if I’d be right. That said, we need OBV’s work now, and we need more of it in the decade to come, if we’re to get into a better place by the time we mark it’s quarter OBV’s welcome reception for 2010 century. Congratulations OBV, and we look forward to working with general election you to make our nation fairer and more democratic in the years prospective to come.” parliamentary candidates – entitled: ‘The UK’s Barack Obama generation.’ Candidates included Rushanara Ali MP, Helen “I remember OBV when it started 15 years ago and I was immensely Grant MP, and Chuka sceptical largely due to its bias, or what I perceived it to be. Over Umunna MP alongside, David Lammy MP, Plaid the years I have seen it develop into a coherent advocacy for Cymru Group Leader people of diff erence to make political headway often in the most Elfyn Llwyd, Lib Dem extraordinary circumstances. Whatever the circumstances, OBV has Leader Nick Clegg , conducted itself with clarity, patience and dignity. All of which is an Communities Secretary Eric Pickles , and eternal credit to its’ staff . OBV’s resilience and resourcefulness tells Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. you what is required to succeed in the modern political era. We are privileged to have it. What we need to do now is to motivate the next generation to utilise it.” ------–------Rev Jesse Jackson speaks at the Bristol Council Shadowing Scheme graduation. “OBV has transformed the political landscape in Britain. You only have to look at the numbers of black and ethnic MPs in parliament to see that. It’s no coincidence either that, in the last fi fteen years, political debate in Britain from Question Time to The Guardian’s excellent Comment pages now includes black British voices. Let’s face it; OBV is the closest thing the black community in Britain has to a political think-tank. And we’re all the better for it.” ------– ------

“Many congratulations to OBV’s visionary founders and to the dynamic team that is now running this beacon organisation! Simon Woolley, I salute you for the courage of your convictions and for taking OBV to exciting new places. I am always thrilled to be involved in events and projects pioneered by OBV. May your light continue to shine brightly! Happy 15th Birthday OBV!!” ------–------

‘Celebrating Diversity’ BME MPs join OBV and the EHRC to welcome newly elected MPs, 2010.

Roundtable: Rev Al Sharpton meets Douglas Alexander Secretary of State for International Development, London visit to spearhead OBV voter registration event,2010.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 27 1996 - 2011 Lahore to London Ajmal Masroor, political campaigner and media broadcaster reflects on Asian communities in Britain today

British Asian communities have come a long way since the early encounters with the British – The East India Company arrived at the shores of India for trade but ended up colonising the Asian subcontinent. They recruited seamen – Lashkars - for their long voyages, hired cooks, domestic servants and nannies who travelled to the UK with their masters. Most of them did not return but married locally and settled. Who would have guessed that within a few centuries Britain would have a sizable Asian community present in its midst? One of the earliest and significant contributions to Britain came from the first Bengali immigrants. At the beginning of the year 1800 the first notable business opened in central London - the Hindustani Coffee House – serving Asian curry and delicacies. Today Britain has over ten thousand ‘Be the Best’ elections Indian restaurants making Indian food nations’ favourite. poster launch, Albert The curry industry today employs over seventy thousand people and Embankment 2010. contributes nearly three billion pounds to the economy every year. Asian communities have not only contributed towards the food revolution in Britain, they have also enriched this country with culture, music, Whitechapel and Muhammed Pervaiz in Yorkshire. colours and festivities. One would assume that the lives of those Asian were not lost in vein Although the British Asian community amounts to nearly 5% of the total and racism would have been uprooted from our society. However, population in the UK they have yet to break through and be proportionally in the last decade the rise of British National Party (BNP) and English represented in the mainstream media and politics. Defence League (EDL) has brought into sharp focus the racist attitudes Racism, prejudice and institutional barriers still play a pivotal role in and subcultures that still lurk and fester in the hearts and minds of many creating exclusions. I remember the early 70s and 80s when open racism in our country; and this rotten and sick mind set unless challenged will against the British Asians were led by the National Front resulting in the become culturally acceptable. deaths of many innocent people including the savage killing of Altab Ali in In politics there have been a number of Asian MPs, Lords and Baronesses, local councillors and mayors. Sadiq Khan and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, serving as Cabinet Ministers, certainly has been the peak of our political achievements. In my view the sign of total equality and society without prejudice would be when we will see a Black or Asian Prime Minister in our country. I do not support positive discrimination but I believe that creating a level playing field requires positive action to accelerate the inequality that exists. I do not believe in tokenism but the struggle to create more representative politics will mean we will have to publicly challenge those who actively exclude people on the grounds of race. I would like to see 5% of our parliamentary representatives from an Asian background. I would like to see more Asian women in the Parliament too. Political parties need to do more to change the local barriers that prevent talented candidates from getting a chance to even Why you compete in general elections. should vote: It is not all doom and gloom however, there other environments OBV’s Ashok where British Asians have fared better, such as arts, literature, films and Viswanathan sports. Shilpa Shetty made headlines after appearing on the Big Brother putting forward a convincing show when racially abused by the late Jade Goody, who in that particular argument. outburst epitomised the ugly face of racism. I can clearly remember watching a brilliant comedy series called “The Kumars at No. 42” and finding myself in stitches. Films such as “East

28 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY is East”, “Chicken Tikka Masala” and “Bend It Like Beckham” will always remain some of the famous names when people look back at the fi lm contribution made by the British Asians. The international award Vision of winning fi lm “Slum Dog Millionaire” made British Asians very proud and one of the most talked about fi lms of our time. Who does not know Monica Ali or Haneef Qureshi or the infamous Salman Rushdie? Their books have sold in millions of copies, made into fi lms and dominated the literary circle while igniting political furore. Prince Nasim and Amir Khan have landed a few severe blows to some of the typically racist bigots in our country. They have made boxing Asian friendly when it was brilliantly dominated by the Black unity and African faces. Ade Sawyerr looks to the Cricket is still a dominant Asian past time, a game that is watched by every generation and when the ‘Tebbit Test’ is used to judge loyalty, future for African and Caribbeans if even one of Asian countries are in the match, even the Archangel would not be able to persuade some Asians to support England! I do African and Caribbean people may have followed not think there is anything wrong with that! It only adds to the fl avour diff erent routes of migration to Britain and may of our multicultural country. have diff erent cultural practices but, to all intents However, the future of our multicultural country is in danger if and purposes, they are seen by the authorities in this our Prime Minister David Cameron is willing to pander to country as one people. the racist EDL and the fascist right wing mantra by claiming The fi rst generation immigrants tended to form their multiculturalism has failed. He needs to be proud of his colourful own community organisations, support and self help country and its diverse citizens. groups that advocated and facilitated their settling and The British Asians have proven a strong case for multicultural Britain integration into the main communities. as great role model that could be followed by other countries. What These welfare organisations, formed because of the need to survive in British Asians need is not patronising tokenistic tick-box solutions, they an alien environment, provided an identity that still held on to their old way need a level playing fi eld, equality at all levels and opportunities to of life in the countries of origin. compete. They need a fairer society where they are not judged by the The organisations helped supplement what the statutory sector colour of their skin or ethnicity but for the contribution they make to offered in the area of social support – so health groups, housing the collective well-being of this country. organisations, supplementary educational agencies, employment and enterprise based as well as arts and leisure based community

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 29 1996 - 2011

‘If you don’t vote’ hand out, London Elections 2008.

organisations were set up to cater for the culturally sensitive needs of those earlier immigrants. The perception that African and Caribbean people underachieve in education and are therefore on the lower rung of the economic ladder, employed at lower levels and on welfare and benefits and parasites on the state gained credence as party leader after party leader blamed immigrations for the economic ills of this country. Disadvantage, discrimination bad housing, bad education in inner city schools and the inequality in the health and job systems faced by ‘the Get yourself immigrants’ was never actually dealt with. to the polling However the outlook for black people seems brighter as they begin to station: Simon excel in different skills areas. Equal opportunities in the public sector has Woolley works helped black people to develop careers that were closed to them several the streets. years ago; now black people have risen to senior management levels in local authorities, there have been chief officers and there have also been a few chief executives in statutory sector organisations. Perhaps what we need here is an effective activist think tank that have Gradually black people are excelling in traditional areas, in law and horizontal and vertical relationships with all other black organisations, that medicine as they have done in teaching and other areas. Progression would play a coordinating role of sorts but that would also come out with has also taken place in the voluntary and community sector, but is yet to research that would influence government policy initiatives but will at gain root in the private sector, certainly not as fast as has happened in the the same time be authoritative enough to respond to and comment on United States of America. government policy. In this regard whilst many have advocated some form of quota system Fortunately, there are models of what have been achieved in America and other mechanisms such as contract compliance to force the issues of through having one strategic organisation - the National Association for a representative work force, even the voluntary targets set by some public the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP) that has a relationship with sector organisations such as the Home Office had to be abandoned for all other black organisations whether they are in education, in the arts, lack of effective monitoring of the results. enterprise and business, employment and housing, that all helps to push More and more private sector organisations are recognising for advancement. the benefits of a diverse workforce and in the next 20 years there However, whilst organisations such as these may help to articulate our should be more improvements in the fortunes of black people in the issues, we also need to re-examine our priorities. We also need to change private sector. the perception of our communities and reject the negative stereotypes But though African and Caribbean people in Britain have come a long leveled at us in this country. By taking control of our destinies, we need way despite years of disadvantage and discrimination and have managed to properly define our objectives and determine what we consider to be to achieve a measure of success in several fields including politics where success within our communities. there is now a slowly growing number of members in parliament and more As we look to the future we need to recognise what other organisations peers in the house of lords, the campaign for racial equality needs to be such as OBV have done to redress the representation rate of black strengthened lest the few gains are lost. people not only in politics but in the criminal justice system; we need to The talk about curbing immigration, the attacks on multiculturalism recognise and celebrate the positive action programmes that they have and the threat of cuts facing most black voluntary and community implemented that have facilitated entry into varied positions as councillors organisations signal a situation that may further disadvantage black and magistrates. people. It is as if the system considers that black people have come Many more of such programmes and mentoring schemes may be far enough and now must simply ‘fully integrate’ into the mainstream needed in education, employment and enterprise to increase the numbers to end disadvantage. and improve the positions. Many have suggested that maybe we need many more successful But we certainly need more campaigning to a refocus of our priorities, we businesses that will become a symbol of our success and role models need our community organisations and we need them to focus on creating for people to follow. There is however no suggestion under this scenario an air of cohesiveness rather than the fragmentation that we have now. The that instead of spending their money in conspicuous consumption on old adage of united we stand strong, divided we fail and fall is relevant. materialistic things the money should rather be ‘invested’ in community Ade Sawyerr is partner in the diversity and equality focussed consultancy, assets and philanthropic gestures that would help uplift the community. Equinox Consulting.

30 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1996 - 2011

Tower Hamlets: Pupils from Stepney Green and Swanlea schools meet Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman, OBV’s ‘Who Runs My Raising City’ event, 2011. aspirations College principal Ali Hadawi CBE worries about youths’ lack of ambition

The Higher Education system here in the UK is a young people need to see that their success is in their own hands and is world leader. We enjoy this status because Higher achievable. They need to be confi dent that the opportunities of going to Education has always been open to all. However, University exist for them and not just for someone else, and then they need the new fee system is a regressive step. to go forward and embrace these opportunities. This new system will surely aff ect the widest band I think the Prime Minister, David Cameron, was wrong in his recent of society, those on middle income. These families criticism of Oxford University for not admitting higher numbers of black are neither wealthy enough not to suff er from the students. These students do not appreciate being off ered places with fi nancial pressure of paying fees nor poor enough to lower entrance requirements than other students, as this practice merely be saved by the grant window. There will be particular reinforces the age old belief that white students are superior. The scenario pressure on families with more than one young here is not one of Oxford not admitting black students, it is one of black person at university. students not applying to Oxford in the fi rst place. However I believe the concept of fi nancial constraints being the barrier By the time many black students reach the age of 18, they have often to Higher Education disguises the real problem. It is not the level of fees, experienced years of ‘aspiration -building’ neglect through teachers and lack of government funding, nor a graduate tax that is the hindrance, but schools who do not believe in them and through lack of being nurtured the lack of aspiration in many young people today. and motivated by many professional adults who should know better. By the Sadly they do not believe they can achieve their best and contribute to the time these students reach the UCAS application stage they have become prosperity of their community and therefore they miss out, not only on the disempowered, discouraged and feel out of control of their own destiny. fi nancial rewards but on the ‘feel good’ factor of belonging, of being respected It is our schools who need to work on developing the aspirations of and of making a diff erence. This is not exclusively a BME phenomenon, but young people. I believe a better system would be one where schools one which aff ects many young people who are measured not only on their academic are growing up in some of the most deprived record but also on their ‘value-added’ in neighbourhoods in our country. Interestingly inspiring young people to move on and no one measures this level of deprivation be successful at subsequent stages of alongside those of income, housing, their education, rather than being merely educational attainment, unemployment channelled from one school to the next or health. Yet aspiration is surely the most through the compulsory education system. important factor in determining social mobility, We must aim for all our young people to fi nd success and happiness. fulfi llment through achievement to the best During my years in education I have of their abilities. come across many young people with no Ali Hadawi CBE - Principal & Chief self belief, no sense that they are intelligent Rev Al Sharpton visits Executive, Central Bedfordshire College. with the potential to succeed, but worst of Archbishop Tenison’s He is former Principal, Greenwich all there is the sense that opportunities are school, Vauxhall to Community College and Southend Adult inspire pupils. for someone else but not for them. These Community Colleges

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 31 1996 - 2011 Rousing the sleeping giant

Rev David Shosanya argues the black church can wield power in politics

32 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY The late Revd Dr Vernon Johns, then minister at Times have changed since these observations were made. And churches Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Alabama commented have changed too. Today church leaders like Rev Jesse Jackson and Rev Al that negro religion was ‘40 percent emotionalism, Sharpton, to name but two, are at the epicentre of political life in American 30 percent hilarity, 28 percent hysteria and 2 percent society. Irrespective of whatever view one holds of these and other miscellaneous’. Christian leaders it cannot be denied that they have managed to mobilise A similar point was made by Dr Johns most famous large numbers of Christian believers to participate in the democratic successor, the late Revd Dr Martin Luther King, when he project and flex their considerable muscle in the public square. By doing commented that ‘much black religion emphasises emotion rather than so they have added their considerable voice to the political discourses ideas... volume rather than elocution’ and concluded that ‘many ministers shaping American civic society. preached only about the afterlife, rather than about what role the church African and Caribbean church leaders in the UK can learn valuable could play in improving present day society’. lessons from African-American church leaders. If church leaders in the Revd’s Johns and King were making the point that for many black UK are to exercise influence in the political arena that is comparable to Christians superficiality reigned in the place of substance when it came to their American counterparts the focus will need to be firmly placed on dealing with political realities. institutions and not individuals. This will mean that representations in political debates must be made in the name of institutions and the various constituencies they represent and not as subjective or self-interested views of an individual. Rev Jesse Jackson addresses church leaders Furthermore, church leaders will need to jettison the notion of ‘an at OBV’s ‘Ask, Seek, Knock’ audience with’ and see their political engagement as ‘an equal partnership Church leaders roundtable aiming to’. A further benefit of this approach would be that representatives meeting at the Houses of of African and Caribbean Christian communities would be forced to Parliament, part of the Equanomics UK tour, 2007. engage critically with policy considerations rather than subjective and personal convictions. Politics is about constituency (numbers), policy (ideas) and reach (networks). African and Caribbean churches have sufficient numbers and networks. At present, with a few exceptions, conversations with those in power lack a vital and much needed substance, strategic direction and follow-through, because they are devoid of the critical and analytical perspectives that policy-led dialogue inspires and requires. In other words, the conversations being had may well be interesting but they have not yet been translated into influence because they have not, by and large, been conversations about policy. A significant challenge for the future will inevitably revolve around how leaders mobilise the numbers (constituency), contextualise their ideas (policy) and prioritise which institutions with whom they will develop intentional strategic partnerships (inter-denominational and inter-agency collaboration). Our American sisters and brothers seem to have found a way to combine those three threads and to bridge the gap between a relevant biblical theology of social transformation and a practical political theory that allows the prophetic imperatives of the gospel to be articulated and incorporated in public life. Christian leaders in the UK are still groping in the dark when it comes to navigating that terrain. Perhaps therein lays the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity for African and Caribbean leaders to effectively engage in the political arena here in the UK. I am very hopeful that it will happen! David Shosanya currently serves as a Regional minister with the London Baptist Association and is the host of the annual Stat of Black Britain Symposium.

‘Ask, Seek, Knock’ Roundtable guests, 2007

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OPERATION BLACK VOTE 33 Who Runs My City?

www.obv.org.uk

34 OPERATION BLACK VOTE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY and more to come...